From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Property owners on the Eleme East-West road have urged President Bola Tinubu to revoke the contract of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the firm handling the project to save lives of people using the ever-busy road.
Chairman of property owners on the road, Joseph Obele, made the call for the cancellation of RCC’s contract in a statement he signed with the secretary, Peter Haraca, in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
He said the call gained momentum due to the company’s extreme delay, incompetence and inability to control traffic, which has led to numerous accidents.
Obele, who is also the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), said RCC’s slow pace of work is sabotaging President Tinubu’s efforts to ensure smooth distribution of petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt refinery.
According to the group, the company has also failed to compensate over 2,000 people whose properties were demolished to pave the way for the road construction.
He said: “Despite receiving N33billion from the Federal Ministry of Works, RCC has failed to compensate property owners along the axis and has instead demolished properties and obstructed businesses, affecting over 20,000 businesses.
“The Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Senator Barry Mpigi have also expressed concerns about RCC’s performance. Given the impending rain season, which may further hinder RCC’s work, it’s essential to re-evaluate the contract and consider awarding it to a more reputable construction company.
“The property owners are urging President Tinubu to revoke the contract and consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.”
Title suggestions:
1. Property owners seek termination of RCC contract on East-West road
2. Residents demand new contractor for Port Harcourt road project
3. East-West road: Stakeholders call for RCC’s replacement
Tags: East-West road, construction delays, property compensation, RCC Nigeria, infrastructure development
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